Riverside County Dog Whose Rear Paw Had 'Mummified' Now Available For Adoption

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A dog whose left rear paw was injured and left untreated for so long that it had "mummified" is now available for adoption.

Peter, a 2-year-old Queensland Heeler-Pit Bull mix with just three legs, is at the center of an active animal cruelty investigation in Riverside County, authorities said.

Riverside County Animal Services was called to the 22100 block of Old Elsinore Road, where sheriff's deputies were investigating whether the property was being used by the tenants as a place to sell marijuana, on Oct. 29, officials said.

A dog was discovered dragging himself around by his front legs because several inches of the dog's left leg had exposed bone, Animal Service officials said. It's not clear what caused the injury, but Animal Services' veterinarians say the injury had gone untreated for weeks, if not months, causing a loss of circulation of blood to the paw.

"This is one of the worst cases of neglect our officers have experienced," Animal Services Director Robert Miller said. "It is illegal and inhumane to allow an animal to suffer needlessly in this fashion."

The "mummified" paw was amputated on Oct. 31, and the dog has fully recovered, officials said, and so far, he is showing very good progress at getting around on just three legs.

Maria Carillo was arrested at the home where Peter was found on drug charges, and Animal Services officials say they will be pursuing animal cruelty charges against her.

Animal Services officials say they are now accepting applications from families interested in adopting Peter, but potential adopters should understand the dog's mobility issues and have a lot of patience with him, considering his traumatic past.

To find out more about Peter, contact the Riverside County Department of Animal Services at (951) 358-7387.